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Reorganization of Edge Modes: Quantum Phase Transitions and Textures

Subject Area Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Term from 2018 to 2022
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 406252756
 
Final Report Year 2024

Final Report Abstract

Notwithstanding earlier attempts at describing quantum phase transitions on the edge of quantum Hall systems, our project obtained significant new results. The results can be grouped into two main thrusts: On the one hand, novel classes of naturally occurring (or induced) quantum phase transitions (QPTs) on the edge (e.g., spin switching transitions; spontaneous time reversal symmetry breaking) have been studied. Beyond the basic physics importance of discovering and analyzing new classes of phase transitions in topological systems, the latter have implications on charge and spin transport through such setups. Moreover, the fact that spontaneous breakdown of time reversal symmetry may take place in otherwise time reversal invariant systems, implies that renewed attention was given to "topological protection" (e.g., in TRI topological insulators), necessary for quantum computation. On the other hand, there has been much interest into the prospects of engineered edge structures. On the experimental side, novel heterostructure designs have allowed to engineer devices with a screened Coulomb interaction and sharp edge states. This edge physics allows to observe signatures of a quantum transition between a phase with constant chemical potential and a phase with constant density, allowing to find signatures of anyonic statistics. Engineering of the interaction among edge states on the other hand allows to find superconducting correlations arising exclusively due to repulsive Coulomb interaction. In a confined geometry, the repulsive Coulomb interaction was found to give rise to electron pairing in the time domain.

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